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USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Astros are "still the favorites" for Sonny Gray.

Nightengale notes, however, that the Brewers "may be the most aggressive team" in trade talks involving Gray and the Royals have been "very aggressive," as well. Gray is a shoo-in to be dealt before the end of the month, whether it's to one of the aforementioned three clubs or somewhere else. He's under team control through 2019.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have agreed to a deal with free agent first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Finally, Hosmer is off the board. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that it's an eight-year deal with an opt-out after five years. Meanwhile, Scott Miller of Bleacher Report hears the deal is worth $144 million. Of course, it has been reported for weeks that Hosmer had seven-year offers from both the Padres and the Royals, but San Diego apparently upped the ante to get a deal done. The deal blows away the previous franchise record (Wil Myers - $83 million) for a signing. By the way, with the addition of Hosmer, the Padres will shift Myers back to the outfield.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports the Rays have traded Jake Odorizzi to the Twins.

FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that shortstop prospect Jermaine Palacios is headed back to the Rays. It's a savvy pickup for the middle of the Twins' rotation. Odorizzi's name swirled in trade talks all winter after he put up a 4.14 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 143 1/3 innings last season. He recently won his arbitration hearing against the Rays and will make a $6.3 million salary in 2018. He's under team control through 2019.

As noted by Baseball America's Kyle Glaser on Twitter, Dickerson went from being the American League's starting designated hitter in last summer's All-Star Game to being removed from the Rays' 40-man roster days before spring training was set to open. Dickerson's career path has been a strange one, but the 28-year-old shouldn't be out of a job for long given his past brushes with success. Still, a shocking move from the Tampa club as camp is set to open, to say the least.

Rays acquired DH C.J. Cron from the Angels for a player to be named later.

Well, that came out of nowhere, although it's not altogether unfathomable. The Angels and Cron in January had agreed on a $2.3 million contract for the first-time arbitration-eligible player, but with Albert Pujols and Luis Valbuena in tow, at-bats were going to be hard to come by for the 28-year-old. As far as Cron's role in Tampa, he should have every opportunity to hit his way into regular at-bats on the club, which has few roles set in stone.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Rangers will not sign Seung Hwan Oh.

There had been a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic earlier this month that the two sides had reached an agreement, but in recent days there had been rumblings that maybe something went awry with his physical. The 35-year-old right-hander will continue to look for work elsewhere.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the Twins have agreed to terms with Anibal Sanchez on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

The veteran right-hander has the opportunity to earn an additional $2.5 million in incentives. Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN was first to report that the two sides were talking. It's a bit surprising given how this market has gone that Sanchez got a major league contract, but MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger hears that the deal isn't fully guaranteed. Sanchez had a rough go of it the last three years in Detroit, posting a 5.67 ERA. That includes a 6.41 ERA last season. Given the state of the Twins' rotation, the soon-to-be 34-year-old should have a good shot to break camp as one of the starting five.

Rangers signed RHP Edinson Volquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

It's a two-year deal, as Volquez is expected to miss the entire 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery last August. SB Nation's Chris Cotillo says Volquez will earn at least $2 million if in the majors in 2019 and the contract can max out at $6.5 million. The Marlins remain on the hook for the $13 million he's owed in 2018. Volquez, who turns 35 in July, posted a 4.19 ERA over 17 starts for the Marlins last season before going under the knife. His highlight in 2017 was throwing the only no-hitter in baseball.

The deal was announced earlier this week and is now official. Utley will receive $1 million each season. It's a small price to pay for the veteran infielder who is lauded for his clubhouse presence and professionalism, although we must point out that the 39-year-old has batted just .235/.310/.382 over the last three seasons. Utley will back up at second, third and first base.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the Mets and Jason Vargas have agreed to terms on a contract.

The deal, which is pending a physical, is for two years and $16 million and contains a club option for 2020, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Vargas, 35, made his first All-Star team last season after posting a 2.62 ERA over 17 first-half starts, but he faded badly in the second half with a 6.38 ERA over his final 15 outings. Still, the depth is useful given all of the health questions in the Mets' rotation. He'll presumably serve as the team's fifth starter this season.

Gerardo Parra underwent surgery on February 9 to remove the hamate bone from his right hand.

Parra said he expects to return around March 8-10, which would be a fairly aggressive timetable. If he is able to make it back by that time, he'll have no problem getting ready in time for Opening Day. Parra currently looks pegged to be the Rockies' right fielder after batting .309/.341/.452 with 10 home runs for them last season. If the veteran outfielder's rehab progresses slower than expected and he needs a disabled list stint, it could potentially open up a job for Raimel Tapia or David Dahl.

Orioles signed RHP Andrew Cashner to a two-year, $16 million contract.

He can earn up to $5 million more each season in incentives and the deal also includes a $10 million vesting option for 2020. Cashner put up a 3.40 ERA over 166 2/3 innings for the Rangers last season, although that came along with an ugly 86/64 K/BB ratio. It would be a surprise if he has much mixed league value in 2018 while he calls Camden Yards home.